My cousin borrowed a paper cutter for a wedding project and it mangled fifty invitations. The rental place blamed user error, but the blade was clearly dull and loose. She ended up buying a basic, solid one from a craft store the next week. Sometimes the rental gear is just worn out from heavy use and poor care. That one bad experience can definitely push you from renting to owning for good.

Seriously, I totally get what you're saying @grace_patel. I used to roll my eyes at people who said digital payments made them spend more. But last month I checked my app for all those small coffee taps and it was a real wake-up call. You're right, it completely tricks your brain because you don't feel the money leaving. Now I see that shift from cash to taps really does mess with your habits.